radical-entertainment
Latest
Prototype series going for $9.99 on PC at Amazon
If you like your carnage big and your savings bigger, you'll have designs on the Prototype Pack on PC, now on sale at Amazon for no more than $9.99. The bundle contains both Prototype and Prototype 2, the latter released earlier this year. Frankly, ten bucks would be a surprisingly low price for the sequel on its own, let alone bundled with the first game.Prototype hasn't been a popular series at retail, with lackluster sales contributing to "significant" layoffs at developer Radical Entertainment. While Richard felt Prototype 2 has far too much inanity in its plot, his review shows he still enjoyed its destructive qualities.
Prototype dev Radical Entertainment's status hasn't changed since downsize
A tweet from downsized Prototype 2 developer Radical Entertainment's twitter account last week may have been interpreted a bit too optimistically."Just a quick note to our great fans and friends," the tweet on September 19 from the company's official account read. "The rumours of our closure have been greatly exaggerated - we're still here! More later..."We reached out to Activision Blizzard, of which Radical is a subsidiary, to get a clearer picture of the studio's status. A representative informed us that nothing had changed since the statement in late June. The staff was reduced, but the studio wasn't closed.Radical Entertainment remains open, supporting other existing Activision projects, but the studio has ceased "development of its own games going forward."
Prototype 2 PC version set to launch as planned, despite Radical layoffs
Prototype 2 will launch as scheduled on July 24 for PC, regardless of the "significant" layoffs and stagnation of Radical Entertainment as a studio. Radical Entertainment writes on its Facebook page:"Hi everyone. Yes, there's some unfortunate news to share today. This morning Radical Entertainment went through a significant reduction in staff. We're very proud of what we achieved with the Prototype franchise, but unfortunately, the Blacklight virus didn't spread as far as it could. For PC gamers, rest assured that the PC version of Prototype 2 is still going to launch on July 24 as planned. And a special 'thanks' to the Prototype Army and all our extremely loyal and passionate fans for supporting Radical Entertainment. We couldn't have come this far without you."Radical's parent company Activision said today's layoffs affect "approximately 89 employees or less than 1.5 percent" of its global workforce. Radical will not be developing any of its own games, and a few employees will continue working for Activision on other projects.
Prototype studio Radical Entertainment facing 'significant' layoffs, potential closure
The studio that created the Prototype franchise, Radical Entertainment, is seeing "significant" layoffs today. Parent company Activision announced the news amid rumors that the company was being altogether shuttered. "[We] have made a difficult conclusion through the consultation process that the only remaining option is a significant reduction in staff," the statement reads. "Approximately 89 employees or less than 1.5% of our global workforce will be impacted," the publisher confirmed to Joystiq.Activision apparently considered an outright sale of the studio, as well as several other, unnamed options, but ended up deciding to lay off the majority of its employees. "Some employees will remain working for Radical Entertainment supporting other existing Activision Publishing projects," according to Activision, "but the studio will cease development of its own games going forward."The decision was made following lackluster sales of both Prototype games. "Although we made a substantial investment in the Prototype IP, it did not find a broad commercial audience," the piece states. Radical Entertainment is based out of Vancouver, Canada and was formed in 1991.Radical is most well-known for creating the Prototype franchise – its first original IP – though the studio worked on a variety of titles throughout its 32-year history, including the much loved The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction.
Prototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer
Prototype 2's "Excessive Force" DLC pack is now available on Xbox Live and should hit PSN after today's update. The pack features a new weapon, three new powers and three new player skins (including a zombified Alex Mercer). The Excessive Force pack will set you back five bucks.
Prototype 2 mutates with fresh DLC, iOS and Android companion apps
Causing mass destruction is easily the best part of Prototype 2, and a new batch of DLC should help you do that with a little more panache. The "Colossal Mayhem" pack adds a number of new goodies, including a "Thermobaric Boom-Stick" weapon and a number of new powers and skins for Heller, the game's protagonist. The pack is available now for $5 on PSN and Xbox Live.The next round of DLC, available May 29, has already been announced as well. The "Excessive Force" pack will include a "Viral Infector" grenade launcher and yet more powers and skins. It will also sell for $5.In other Prototype 2 news, a companion app has been released for Android and iOS. The app allows users to keep track of achievements and in-game collectible thanks to some handy maps that have all collectibles marked. The app itself is free, though it only includes one map, the Yellow Zone. The remaining two maps can be purchased for $2.
Prototype 2 review: Stalkin' New York
For the sake of fun, we're willing to put up with a lot a ham-fisted plots, characters, settings and whatever else isn't directly related to gameplay. I'm not exactly sure how much I'm willing to put up with, but it's a line that Prototype 2 crossed very quickly.Like its predecessor, Prototype 2 features some of the best free-form locomotion of this generation. Combat is easy control and allows for a variety of tactical options, so long as you're willing to stick it out long enough to earn them. If only the rest of the experience weren't wrapped up in a mucusy, repugnant membrane of inane plot, forgettable characters and terrible dialogue, Prototype 2 would be much, much better off.%Gallery-147843%
Prototype 2 'Pack Leader' trailer calls up all your rowdy friends
In addition to continuing every Prototype 2 trailer's time-honored tradition of being super, super gross, this latest look at Radical Entertainment's greasy, tendril-based action game demonstrates the "Pack Leader" ability, which allows the player to summon and control meat gorillas.
Live-action Prototype 2 commercial sets a soothingly violent tone
The above commercial for Prototype 2 features a live-action free-fall from the top of a skyscraper, heartstring tugs, infected citizens and two dudes with mutated, menacing arm gadgets. The coolest part? Johnny Cash covering Trent Reznor's "Hurt."
Prototype 2 trailer is awfully direct
Not since 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand has it been so dangerous to be a helicopter pilot.
Prototype 2 offers pre-order incentives; don't worry, it won't bite
Prototype 2 wants to devour your pre-order cash, offering two new incentives through Amazon and Best Buy. Amazon pre-orders get a code to download the first issue of the Prototype 2 comic from Dark Horse, titled The Anchor. Early Best Buyers will receive an exclusive steelbook case in addition to the previously announced Hardened Steel Vehicle Armor upgrade.All pre-orders will get access to the RADNET edition of Prototype 2, which includes 55 free items delivered during the seven weeks after launch, April 24 for Xbox 360 and PS3 and July 24 for PC. RADNET offers bonus mutations, Alex Mercer playable skin, in-game events, challenges, avatar items, themes and behind-the-scenes content, all of which Activision warns it is liable to change or discontinue at any time. Check out the asterisk warnings and more info in the press release below.
The creepiest dad ever comes home in this Prototype 2 trailer
Here's a secret about your beloved Joystiq: we're easily frightened. This Prototype 2 trailer is super scary to our meek, ever-fearful eyes. At least the screens past the break aren't so b -- OH GOD WHAT IS THAT?!
Prototype 2 mutates into Blackwatch Collector's Edition
If the allure of wanton destruction just isn't enough to entice you to pick up Prototype 2, perhaps the Blackwatch Collector's Edition will convince you. In the realm of physical goodies, the collector's edition includes a hardbound art book and a soundtrack CD. Digital bonuses include all of the RADNET Edition content, the "Colossal Mayhem" DLC pack, Avatar gear for the Xbox and dynamic themes for PS3. The pack also includes a digital Dark Horse comic entitled either "Labrinth" or "Labryinth" depending on whether you trust the press release or the above trailer (yeah, it's probably "Labyrinth"). The final "bonus" in the collector's edition is a voucher for 20 percent off your first purchase of Prototype merchandise.The press release notes that the Blackwatch Collector's Edition is now available for pre-order, though we haven't been able to find it online just yet. Whenever it does arrive, it will retail for $80.
Prototype 2 on PC pushed to July 24, RADNET Edition announced
Anyone looking forward to the PC version of Prototype 2 must continue looking forward for a while longer, as the game has now been delayed for three months. While the console versions are slated for April 24, the PC version will not arrive until July 24, according to a recent post on the Prototype Facebook page (requires login).No reason for the delay was given, though "more details" are promised "soon." Of course, given the recent trend of delaying big-budget PC releases well past their console counterparts, it's not exactly surprising.In other news, Activision has announced the RADNET Edition of Prototype 2 for Xbox 360 and PS3, available in "a limited number of the launch quantities". Specifically, it grants players access to RADNET, which "gives fans 55 free pieces of additional content delivered for seven weeks following the game's launch." The weekly content will include a range of items, from in-game mutations to Avatar items and videos.The press release specifies that RADNET will be redeemed via an included code in new copies of the game. Call it a hunch, but we're betting those who buy used will be able to pick up a code for, oh, let's say around ten dollars.So, summing up, it's appears that the PC version got a three month delay on the same day we learned about two months of bonus content for new copies of the console version. Coincidence?
The Amazing Spider-Man has been cooking for at least a year; Acti canned Spider-Man 4
It's hard to nail down exactly when Beenox began production of The Amazing Spider-Man. According to Activision producer Doug Heder, Amazing has been in the works for longer than either Shattered Dimensions or Edge of Time, the publisher's two latest Spidey titles. "We've spent more time on this game than we will have on either of the other two," he explained to me after Marvel's game panel at New York Comic Con this past weekend. But that's not to say that all that time has been spent in production -- apparently the genesis of Amazing was nearly four years ago, though development didn't begin in earnest until about a year ago. "They are two completely separate teams," Heder said of the developing studio, Beenox. "We have separate leads, separate artists, separate designers -- they're working in parallel with each other." Heder also noted that, at one point, Activison had another studio working on a Spider-Man 4 title to be released alongside a planned movie. When the movie fell through, however, Activision canceled the project and concentrated on other Spidey games. "That was a completely different studio that was working on it, completely different tech, and engine and everything," Heder said. "And when the movie shut down, we shut the game down." Reports from 2009 suggest Radical was working on the now canned title, but Heder unfortunately wouldn't get any more specific.
Prototype 2 video catches up with Alex Mercer's exploits
What's that? You were too busy kicking cars into helicopters to pay attention to Alex Mercer's plight in the original Prototype? You have no idea what to expect in Prototype 2? It's okay, this convenient video will catch you up on every last evil scientist, super virus and biological incubator.
Pre-order Prototype 2 for a chance to be in Prototype 2
Ever wanted to be killed accidentally by a super-powered monster? If you said "Boy, have I!" you might want to stop loitering at your local nuclear power plant and check out Prototype 2. Activision and GameStop have partnered to turn pre-orderers into bystanders in the game. "In addition to just seeing themselves in the game," said Radical Entertainment studio head Ken Rosman, "the winners will actually be able to locate their virtual selves and shape-shift Sgt. James Heller into their likeness." US and Canada residents age 18 and up can enter by pre-ordering the game at GameStop before September 1 and then entering a drawing online. Winners will be sent to Vancouver to be turned into virtual collateral damage at Radical's HQ.
Activision reveals April launch for Prototype 2, September for X-Men Destiny
Kicking off its San Diego Comic Con announcements, game publishing giant Activision today revealed two solid, very different release dates for two hopefully solid, very different games. First up, Prototype 2 will surf victims' bodies into retail on April 24, 2012. A new trailer for next year's sequel is available just below the break, fresh from San Diego. Additionally, a new trailer for X-Men Destiny was released, which puts a September 27 launch date on the next project from Silicon Knights. Given the origin of both pieces of info, SDCC attendees should be aware that X-Men Destiny will be playable at this week's show, while "15-minute live stage presentations" for Prototype 2 will be going off at the Activision booth. Still here? Both trailers are just below -- follow us!
New Prototype 2 trailer explores the power of tendrils
As far as the destructonamiacs here at Joystiq are concerned, Prototype's sandbox mayhem was one of, if not the main selling points for the title. Judging by the latest trailer for Prototype 2, it looks like Radical Entertainment knows exactly what we want, in a big way.
Prototype 2 E3 trailer continues the cycle
So Prototype 2's lead James Heller spends the first half of this new trailer complaining about Prototype 1 lead Alex Mercer killing his loved ones ... then he cuts like 30 dudes in half. Jim, aren't some of those soldiers spouses themselves? Are you that certain there won't be a Prototype 3? Update: We've already posted this trailer! Sorry!
